Our History

In 1976, Findlay resident L. Dale Dorney left the Cleveland Foundation a $5 million bequest dedicated to two interests: strengthening collegiate business operation in Ohio and improving the quality of life in Findlay and Hancock County. He hoped that the Findlay portion of this gift might one day form the nucleus of a community foundation.

His dream came to fruition in 1992 when the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation was established as a supporting organization of the Cleveland Foundation. From 1992 to February 1999, the Community Foundation operated under the mentorship of the Cleveland Foundation. On February 28, 1999, the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation became an independent entity and the portion of the Dorney Fund assets designated for Hancock County were returned to Hancock County.

What started as one man’s generous gift to his community, has been built upon and expanded by residents of Hancock County. Over the years, the Dorney Fund assets were joined with gifts from other donors. The Community Foundation has grown through gifts of all sizes from many people. Our smallest gift was one dollar, the largest was over $25 million. Both gifts will support an improved quality of life in our community today and for generations to come.

The tradition of giving to your community and the rich history of grantmaking during the early years of the Dorney Fund will continue.

Our Development Philosophy is:

We welcome gifts of any size from people of all backgrounds and means.
We strive for the highest standards of careful stewardship and integrity in respecting the donor’s desire and intent.
We ensure that a gift today remains relevant for the future.
We encourage gifts that support creative and flexible responses to community needs, and work closely with donors to bring such gifts to life.

Eligible Donors

We accept gifts from individuals, families, organizations, businesses, trusts and estates. Multiple donors may pool their gifts into a single fund within the Foundation.